Kiel

Jobs in

Kiel

in the area of planning & geography jobs

As the state capital, Kiel offers unique career opportunities for geospecialists in marine research and maritime sectors with CAU and GEOMAR.

profile

Kiel
Federal state:
Schleswig-Holstein
Population:
247,000
Known for:
GEOMAR (marine research), CAU Kiel, Kiel Week
Economy:
Maritime Economy, Research & Development, Port Logistics
Quality of life:
High quality of life, Baltic Sea & fjord, maritime flair

Working and living in Kiel

An overview of the city

Kiel — the state capital of Schleswig-Holstein with around 250,000 inhabitants — is a unique port city on the Baltic Sea with a strong focus on maritime and geoinformatics. The city combines historical significance (port city for centuries, Kiel transhipment) with a modern focus on technology and research. With Christian-Albrechts-University (CAU Kiel) as a leading university with a focus on geoinformatics, the Schleswig-Holstein State Office for Surveying and Geoinformation (LVERMGeo, 550+ employees), and specialized geoinformation service providers (e.g. coastal protection, water management), Kiel is a growing job market for specialists in the geospatial, planning and environmental sectors. Special feature: Strong maritime geoinformatics orientation (coastal protection, marine monitoring, port planning). For geoinformatics specialists, spatial planners, surveyors and environmental specialists, Kiel offers a highly qualified ecosystem with an excellent quality of life, low living costs and close proximity to nature, the sea and Europe.

Labor market for geoinformatics, spatial planning and environmental occupations

The job market in Kiel for geotechnical, planning and environmental specialists is specialized and is constantly growing. With a focus on maritime geoinformatics, research, public administration and specialized industry, attractive job opportunities regularly arise.

Geoinformatics & Maritime Geodata — Unique Specialization

Kiel is a center for maritime geoinformatics and coastal management. Kiel University, with its Center for Geoinformation (ZfG) and Department of Physical Geography — Landscape Ecology and Geoinformation (LGI), is intensively researching coastal erosion, sea level rise, environmental monitoring and 3D modelling. GIS Jobs Kiel are created in the context of coastal protection projects, port planning and maritime spatial planning. Specialized geoinformation service providers (e.g. planigobe GmbH) in water management and coastal protection offer highly specialized positions.

Spatial Planning & Urban Development — Modern Coastal City

Kiel is continuously modernizing as a port and tourism city. The Urban Planning and Development Department employs spatial planners, urban planners and landscape architects for port development, urban districts and open space programs. With GIS-based analyses and modern planning technologies, jobs in spatial planning Kiel are created.

Surveying & Geomatics — State Office + Private Specialists

The Schleswig-Holstein State Office for Surveying and Geoinformation (LvermGeo SH) with headquarters in Kiel and 550+ employees is a MAJOR employer for surveyors, geomatists and GIS specialists. With a focus on state surveying, real estate cadastre and geodata infrastructure (GDI-SH), secure, attractive jobs are created in the public sector with training and study funding.

Environment, Water Management & Coastal Protection — Specialized

Kiel is a center for coastal protection and water management. Research on sea level rise, coastal erosion and coastal hazards creates job opportunities for hydraulic engineering specialists, hydrologists, environmental engineers and coastal protection specialists. Environmental jobs in Kiel are often research or project-related and offer international prospects (North Sea/Baltic Sea projects, EU cooperation).

Landscape planning & nature conservation — strong sector

Schleswig-Holstein as a natural landscape generates continuous demand for landscape planners, nature conservation experts and environmental planners. Planning offices such as IPP Group and specialized environmental consultancies offer jobs in landscape planning, environmental impact assessments and nature conservation projects.

Quality of life and infrastructure

Living in Kiel — Harbour City Charm & Cheap

Kiel is one of the cheapest major cities in Germany with moderate rents (20— 30% cheaper than Munich/Hamburg) and a balanced housing market. Popular districts: old town with harbor atmosphere, restaurants, museums; Düsternbrook elegant with parks; Ravensberg/Elmschenhagen young and family-friendly with greenery. The port as the heart of the city offers maritime flair, promenades and leisure activities. Kiel is a livable, compact city close to the Baltic Sea and excellent value for money.

Transport connection — Baltic Sea port + rail hub

Kiel is centrally located in terms of transport: by train to Hamburg (1h), Copenhagen (4.5h), Berlin (8h) — important tech and scientific centers. Local: Trams and buses connect all parts of the city. The bicycle network is excellent — Kiel is extremely bicycle-friendly. By car: A1 motorway (Hamburg-Copenhagen) with quick access. Close to the port offers direct access to Scandinavian Routes.

Leisure & Relaxation — Baltic Sea & Nature

Kiel is a leisure paradise: Baltic Sea with beaches, sailing areas (Kiel is the German sailing capital!) , water sports, promenades; nature parks and lakes in the region; fjords for canoeing. Cultural: Kunsthalle, State Theatre, Maritime Museums, lively art scene, Kiel Week (international sailing festival). For families: parks, playgrounds, museums, beaches. Outdoor living is at the core of Kiel's culture.

career prospects

Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel (CAU) — Geoinformatics Focus

Kiel University is Schleswig-Holstein's leading university with around 28,000 students and a strong focus on geoinformatics.

Department of Geography with Center for Geoinformation (ZfG) & Chair LGI:The institute has 9 working groups with a focus on physical geography, human geography and didactics. The Department of Physical Geography — Landscape Ecology and Geoinformation (LGI) heads the Center for Geoinformation and researches intensively on:

  • landscape and environmental processes (soil erosion, landscape degradation, climate change)
  • 3D reconstruction of historic landscapes (with archaeology/paleobotany)
  • Coastal erosion and sea level rise
  • Geoinformation processing for environmental monitoring
  • Geodata infrastructures and WebGIS spatial analyses

Master's degree: GeoDataScience from semesters 1—3. GeoDataScience certificate course for professionals.

Career opportunities: Research assistants, doctoral students, postdocs in geoinformatics, remote sensing, landscape ecology. With CAU degree: Direct access to LVERMGEO jobs and geoinformation companies.

State Office for Surveying and Geoinformation Schleswig-Holstein (LvermGeo SH) — MAJOR employer

With headquarters in Kiel and 550+ employees, LvermGeo SH is one of the largest geo-employers in North-Central Germany. Tasks:

  • National survey (topographical images, visual flights, surveys)
  • Real estate register (land, building data)
  • Geodata infrastructure (GDI-SH) & INSPIRE directive implementation

Career opportunities:

  • Education: geomatician, surveyor, IT specialist
  • Dual studies: Bachelor Geodesy & Geoinformatics (with HCU Hamburg)
  • Civil service training: senior & higher service (geoinformation chief inspector, government surveyor trainee)
  • Direct entries: surveyors, GIS specialists with Bachelor/Master

LvermGeo offers public service security + modern tech + development prospects.

Specialized geoinformation service providers

Kiel has specialized GIS service providers (e.g. planigobe — water management/coastal protection) with innovative projects. Jobs are regularly created in software development, GIS analysis and project management.

Future trends & job prospects

Kiel and Schleswig-Holstein benefit from:

  • Maritime geoinformatics: coastal protection, sea level rise, offshore wind (booming!)
  • Digitalization: Port digitization, Smart Port Kiel
  • Green energy: Wind power potential with GIS analysis
  • research: CAU with a strong international profile
  • Spatial data infrastructure: GDI-SH expansion creates continuous demand

For geospecialists, Kiel is a unique, specialized job market with a maritime focus and stable prospects.

Top employers in Kiel

Leading employer for geoinformatics, spatial planning and environmental professions in Kiel

Kiel is a specialized center for geo-specialists with a unique employer landscape. From leading research (CAU Kiel with ZfG & maritime focus) to mega authorities (LverMGeo SH with 550+ employees) to innovative geoinformation specialists — Kiel's employer landscape is highly qualified, stable and maritime. This overview presents the top employers for geoinformatics specialists, spatial planners, surveyors and environmental specialists in Kiel.

Research and science

Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel (CAU Kiel) — Department of Geography with Center for Geoinformation

The Institute of Geography is Schleswig-Holstein's leading geo-institute with 9 working groups. The Center for Geoinformation (ZfG) and the Department of Physical Geography — Landscape Ecology and Geoinformation (LGI) are key research areas.

Key research areas:

  • landscape and environmental processes (soil erosion, landscape degradation, climate change)
  • Coastal erosion & sea level rise (unique for the Baltic Sea region!)
  • 3D reconstruction of historic landscapes (with archaeology)
  • Geoinformation processing for environmental monitoring
  • Geodata infrastructures & WebGIS analyses

Teaching:

  • Bachelor Geography (6 semesters)
  • Master Geography (4 semesters)
  • GeodataScience Master Specialization
  • GeoDataScience certificate program (for professionals)

Career opportunities: Scientific staff, doctoral students, postdocs, lecturers in geoinformatics, landscape ecology, remote sensing and coastal research.

Relevant positions: Scientific Staff, Doctoral Students, Postdocs, Research Engineers
www.geographie.uni-kiel.de

Public administration and authorities

State Office for Surveying and Geoinformation Schleswig-Holstein (LvermGeo SH) — MEGA employer with 550+ employees

LvermGeo SH, headquartered in Kiel, is one of the largest geo-employers in North-Central Germany. With 550+ employees in Kiel, Lübeck, Flensburg, Husum and Elmshorn, LvermGeo SH is the central authority for official basic geodata, surveying and geoinformation in Schleswig-Holstein.

Tasks & Departments:

  • State survey: Topographic images, image flights, surveys, topographic maps
  • Real estate register: Land, land and building data; property management; land management procedures
  • Geodata infrastructure (GDI-SH): INSPIRE Directive Implementation, Geodata Exchange, Geocompetence Center
  • Education & qualification: Vocational training, dual studies, technical civil servant training

Career opportunities:

  • Education: Geomatician, surveyor, IT specialist (3 years)
  • Dual studies: Bachelor Geodesy & Geoinformatics (with HCU Hamburg) + LVERMGEO training
  • Civil Service Training: Senior Service (Geoinformation Chief Inspector Preparation Service), Higher Service (Government Survey Trainee)
  • Direct entries: Surveyors, geoinformatics specialists, GIS specialists with Bachelor/Master
  • Industrial engineers: Business economist, computer scientist with surveying/geoinformation

lvermGeo SH is stability-focused with a modern tech stack and continuous development opportunities (digital transformation in progress).

Relevant positions: Surveyors, geomatists, surveyors, GIS specialists, IT specialists, trainee civil servants
www.schleswig-holstein.de/lvermGeosh

City of Kiel — Department of Urban Planning and Development

The Urban Planning and Development Department (part of the Real Estate Management Department) is the central authority for spatial planning, urban development and port development. Kiel employs spatial planners, urban planners, landscape architects and GIS specialists with modern GIS systems and urban development projects.

Key areas of responsibility:

  • Port and urban development (Kiel Port Transformation)
  • Urban districts and new development areas
  • Open space and park planning
  • Sustainable urban development (climate protection, mobility)
  • GIS-based spatial analyses

Career opportunities: Regular positions for spatial planners, urban planners, landscape architects, GIS specialists in the TVÖD system with stable jobs.

Relevant positions: Spatial planners, urban planners, landscape architects, GIS specialists, space managers
www.kiel.de

Private companies and specialized service providers

[planigobe GmbH — maritime geoinformatics specialist] (reference: Search Result shows planigobe GmbH)

Planigobe is a specialized geoinformation service provider in Kiel with a focus on water management and coastal protection. The small, dedicated team works on geodata processing, environmental monitoring and coastal protection projects with short decision-making processes and personal responsibility.

Priorities:

  • Geodata processing in the area of water management & coastal protection
  • Software development (.NET, C#, Blazor Server)
  • GIS applications for environmental protection

Career opportunities: Software developers, GIS specialists, water economists with a focus on technology. Start-uplike culture with flat hierarchies.

Relevant positions: Software developers, GIS specialists, water economists
→ Planigobe GmbH, Kiel (directly searchable)

[Specialized Planning Offices — Landscape Planning & Environment] (Reference: IPP Group, BHF Bendfeldt Herrmann Franke, Springer Planning Office)

Kiel has several established planning offices specializing in landscape planning, environmental planning and environmental construction support. With interdisciplinary teams, these offices offer positions for landscape planners, environmental engineers, and project managers.

Offices & focal areas:

  • IPP Group of Companies: Green Policy Plans, Landscape Conservation Accompanying Plans, EIA
  • BHF Bendfeldt Herrmann Franke: Environmental construction support, open space programs
  • Planungsbüro Springer: landscape planning, environmental planning, accompanying plans

Relevant positions: Landscape planners, environmental planners, environmental construction supervisors, project managers
→ Local planning offices in Kiel (searchable via industry databases)

[Other GIS service providers & engineering offices in Kiel & Schleswig-Holstein] (Reference: GFN, BUND Naturschutz, LBV.SH)

Kiel and the region have specialized environmental planning offices and nature conservation organizations that employ GIS specialists and conservation experts.

examples:

  • GFN (Society for Outdoor Ecology and Conservation Planning): 180+ employees, GIS employees for environmental and nature conservation planning
  • LBV.SH (Landesbetrieb für Straßenbau und Verkehr): 1,400+ employees, traffic management with GIS
  • BUND Schleswig-Holstein: Nature conservation projects with environmental experts

Relevant positions: GIS specialists, conservation professionals, environmental planners, surveyors
→ Local and regional environmental offices in Schleswig-Holstein

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